The Bounty Hunter

Born Hungarian André De Toth directed seven B series western between years 1951 and 1955 (B series films in Europe means that it were made with few money and in a short time). This Bounty Hunter was one of them. It is a solid, without ups and downs, and very estimable western. This modest film deserves all the respect, admiration and gratitude possibles. An even in our times, when toughness is missing in service of computers special effects. The film has got craft agility, is very well build and adequately played by specialist stony face Randolph Scott (Boetticher's lonesome rider). We meet efficacious Ernest Borgnine in a supporting role. Western lovers will enjoy this film.

The Pinkerton detective agency, unable to track down three violent train robbers after a year, turns to bounty hunter Randolph Scott. He's given very few clues to go on and has no idea what the men look like. Still, he manages to track them to a small town called Twin Forks. But the people there aren't particularly friendly towards strangers who show up asking questions.

The last of six westerns director André de Toth made with Randolph Scott. This was filmed in 3D but only released in standard format. This explains why there are some 'in your face' shots where you have someone sticking something at the camera. Scott does fine in a by-the-numbers role for him and his stuntman works overtime in some decent action scenes. Despite the formula plot, the movie does a nice job of keeping the identity of the train robbers a secret. One is especially surprising. Nice supporting cast includes Ernest Borgnine, Marie Windsor, Dolores Dorn, and Dub Taylor. It's a pretty good western. Nothing extraordinary but above average for the period.

The feared bounty hunter Jim Kipp (Randolph Scott) is hired by the Pinkerton Detective Agency to track down and find three wanted killers that robbed a train one year ago and recover the stolen money. The only clue he received is that one outlaw was shot in the leg. Jim Kipp comes to Twin Forks and seeks out the local Dr. R.L. Spencer (Harry Antrim) to ask whether he recalls attending a man with wounded leg one year ago. The doctor apparently does not recall but his daughter Julie Spencer (Dolores Dorn) confirms Kipp's suspicion. Kipp decides to stay at the hotel to investigate the town and most of inhabitants are affected by his presence. Will he succeed to find the trio?

"The Bounty Hunter" is an average and entertaining western. Randolph Scott shines in the role of a tough, but fair bounty hunter, feared by outlaws and sheriffs. The identities of the killers are disclosed in the end and well resolved. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Feras Humanas" ("Human Beasts")

The Bounty Hunter casts Randolph Scott working in that profession, condemned in polite society, but necessary to bringing law and order to the west.

Scott is hired by the Pinkerton Detective Agency to trail three outlaws who were part of a gang of seven who robbed a train and killed several people in the process. Four of them are accounted for, but the Pinkertons have no clue as to the others. Scott picks up where they left off and the trail takes him to the New Mexico town of Twin Forks.

The only clue he has is that one of them was wounded so Scott begins questioning the town doctor and his pretty daughter Dolores Dorn. Needless to say his presence and reputation have the whole town of Twin Forks real nervous. Even sheriff Howard Petrie isn't really crazy about Scott's investigation.

Director Andre DeToth did several good westerns in the Forties and Fifties and The Bounty Hunter was definitely one of them. DeToth keeps the action and suspense both going and I have to say when the identity of the three outlaws is finally learned you will be surprised. And there will be some juicy red herrings thrown in for good measure.

One of the better Randolph Scott westerns of the Fifties a must for all of his fans.

Above Average Randolph Scott Western Directed by the Sometimes Interesting Andre de Toth. This One has a High Entertainment Value because it is More Violent at Times and has a Mystery Element that Keeps Things Going.

There is a Fight Scene where Scott Burns the Butt of a Bad Guy on a Stove and a Head Shot Squib that was Very Rare in 1954. The Characters are a bit more than One Dimensional in this Movie that was Shot in 3-D but Released Flat.

There is a Surprise Ending and Enough Gun-Play and Fisticuffs to Satisfy Western Fans and Scott's Cynical Bounty Hunter is Off Beat for a Fifties Protagonist. Marie Windsor's Wide Eyed Bar Girl and Ernest Borgnine are Highlighted Supporters. For a Weakness there is the Obligatory Marriage for that Fifties Family Wrap-Up Smarminess.

Note...Not in the same league as the Anthony Mann/Budd Boetticher 1950's Westerns but a bit Better than Most of its Ilk.